Dubai to launch fleet of robotic cops

Dubai Police is set to welcome a fleet of robotic police officers into its ranks on Wednesday May 24.

Back in March we reported plans to introduce the UAE’s first robotic police officer, and the force now plans on rolling out a fleet of robotic cops across the city, starting this week.

The humanoid-on-wheels will mainly exist to handle basic citizen requests or services, and is equipped with nine language interfaces straight out of the box. Citizens will be able to ask basic questions, pay fines and access a range of information and functions through its software-based touchscreen interface. The robot will be fully connected to the police command control centre, transmitting information, data and live camera feeds from its “eyes”.

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Initially, the roll-out will be visible around tourist attractions and theme parks across the city, but Dubai Police plans on rolling out more of the robots across its force in the near future. By 2030 it wants 25 percent of its total force to be comprised of robots, including administrative or clerical roles in police stations. Eventually, you guessed it, these “Robocops” (as described by Dubai Police) will be chasing down suspects and nabbing parking fee dodgers.

The aim isn’t to replace existing workers, though, instead the force will grow to match the growth of Dubai’s population, which is currently just shy of three million.

Future iterations of the Robocop, according to Dubai Police, will be the world’s largest robot, capable of running at 80 kmph – controlled by a police officer sat inside.

For now, though, look out for a friendly robotic-cop assistant at a tourist attraction near you.